Moving from Dayton, OH to Peoria, IL
Relocating between Dayton, OH and Peoria, IL is a 323 mi drive — 6h 19m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
323 mi · 6h 19m by car · OH → IN → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH → IN → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 74, I 65, SR 48 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dayton | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.694 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.388 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 72.712 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level — BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 1.6% under Dayton — $136,592 → $128,838 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Dayton +1.4%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Dayton | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 20°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.3" | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.7" | 37.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 26.2 in of snowfall annually at Peoria.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DAYTON MCD, OH US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dayton | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,741 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $43,454 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.9% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.29 |
Expect median household income to rise 1.6% — $43,454 → $58,716 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Peoria MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 17,760 | $41,540 |
| Production Occupations | 15,910 | $46,610 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 13,790 | $29,380 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 13,580 | $38,870 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 13,350 | $71,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Peoria averages 26.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Dayton vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $43,454 in Dayton — a 35.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Dayton and Peoria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.7°F in Peoria vs 53.3°F in Dayton (0.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 26.2 in vs 12.3 in. Annual precipitation: 37.6 in vs 41.7 in.
How far is Peoria, IL from Dayton, OH?
The driving distance is 323 mi and the route typically takes 6h 19m via I 74 and I 65. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Peoria more expensive than Dayton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 1.6% lower than Dayton (91.231 vs 92.694, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Dayton to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 323 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Dayton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $136,592 in Dayton — a 5.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dayton.
City profiles: Dayton, OH · Peoria, IL.